Kids Cricket Bat Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Junior Bat
Buying a junior cricket bat is mostly a sizing problem. A bat that is too big is hard to control and teaches bad habits. A bat that is too small limits reach and power. Junior bats come in sizes 1 to 6, followed by Harrow, and the number that matters is your child’s height, not their age. Use the chart below, then check the fit with the quick tests in this guide.
Junior Cricket Bat Size Chart (by Height)
| Bat size | Player height | Approx. age |
| Size 1 | Up to 4’3″ (130 cm) | 4–6 |
| Size 2 | 4’3″ – 4’6″ (130–137 cm) | 6–7 |
| Size 3 | 4’6″ – 4’9″ (137–145 cm) | 8–9 |
| Size 4 | 4’9″ – 5’0″ (145–152 cm) | 9–10 |
| Size 5 | 5’0″ – 5’3″ (152–160 cm) | 10–11 |
| Size 6 | 5’3″ – 5’6″ (160–168 cm) | 12–13 |
| Harrow | 5’6″ – 5’9″ (168–175 cm) | 13–15 |
| Short Handle (adult) | 5’9″ and over (175 cm+) | 15+ |
These ranges are a starting point. Sizing varies slightly between brands, so check the product page if your child sits on a boundary.
Height or Age: Which Should You Use?
Use height. Two 10-year-olds can be several inches apart, and one may need a size 4 while the other needs a size 5. Age is only useful as a rough check that the height reading makes sense.
To measure, stand your child against a wall without shoes, keep their heels and head against the wall, and mark the top of their head. Measure from the floor to the mark.
How to Check the Bat Fits
Once you have a likely size, try these three checks. They take under two minutes.
- The standing test. With cricket shoes on, stand the bat upright beside their leg. The top of the handle should reach roughly the wrist crease to the middle of the palm when their arm hangs relaxed. If it reaches the waist, it is too long. If it sits well below the wrist, it is too short.
- The stance test. Ask them to hold the bat in their normal batting stance. They should hold it comfortably for about 30 seconds without the blade dropping or their arms shaking.
- The shadow-shot test. Have them play 10 slow drives and defensive shots. The bat should swing under control, with no wobbling and no lunging to lift it.
Between Two Sizes? Go Smaller
If your child falls between two sizes, choose the smaller one. A bat they can control today is better than one they might grow into next year. An oversized bat encourages a low grip, poor balance and a rushed swing, which are all habits that take time to unlearn.
The exception is a tall, strong child who is at the very top of a range and handles the larger bat comfortably in all three tests. If in doubt, contact us with their height and we will point you to the right size.
What Is a Harrow Cricket Bat?
A Harrow is the size between the junior range and adult bats. It suits players roughly 5’6″ to 5’9″ who have outgrown a size 6 but are not yet tall enough for a Short Handle. It is common for teenagers moving from junior to senior cricket.
Which Willow and Grade for a Junior Bat?
- Kashmir willow is affordable and durable, which makes it a good choice for beginners and casual play.
- English willow has better pickup and is the choice for children playing regularly for a club or school team.
- Grades 2 and 3 give excellent performance at a lower price than Grade 1, so they suit growing players who will change bat size regularly.
For a deeper comparison, read our guides on English willow vs Kashmir willow and Grade 1 vs Grade 2 vs Grade 3 English willow bats.
Before the First Session
English willow bats need knocking in before use. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to knock in a cricket bat so the bat is ready for matches and lasts the season.
Ready to Choose?
Browse our full range of junior cricket bats in sizes 1 to 6 and Harrow, or see all cricket bats. Not sure which size to pick? Visit our Chigwell store or contact us with your child’s height and we will help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cricket bat does a 10-year-old need?
It depends on height. Most 10-year-olds fit a size 4 or size 5 bat, which cover roughly 4’9″ to 5’3″. Measure their height and use the chart above.
Should I buy a bigger bat so my child can grow into it?
No. An oversized bat is harder to control and leads to poor technique. Buy the size that fits now and move up when they outgrow it.
Is bat size based on height or age?
Height. Age is only a rough guide because children of the same age can vary a lot in height.
What is the difference between a size 6 and a Harrow bat?
A size 6 suits players around 5’3″ to 5’6″. A Harrow is slightly longer and suits players around 5’6″ to 5’9″ who are moving towards adult bats.
Do bat sizes differ between brands?
Slightly. Brand size charts overlap and can vary by an inch or so, so check the product page if your child is between sizes.
